Cortland Herpetology Connection

Surveying
Tips

Here's how to find the reptiles and amphibians
you're looking for while preserving their habitat.

Remember:
The primary goal of this program is to conserve and protect our populations of
amphibians and reptiles. So it's extremely important to disturb their habitats
as little a possible when you survey them. Always replace any surface objects
that you turn over. Always release an animal as soon as possible and in exactly
the same location as it was found. Many of these animals have territories or
home ranges. If you release them away from these areas they may try to migrate
back and may be killed along the way.

There are more surveying tips
below. But first be sure to read the Cautions box below before you hit the
field. New York's wild areas are relatively safe, but you need to be aware
potential dangers so that you can prevent accidents.

Caution!

To
prevent accidents in the field, take measures to avoid the following dangers:

Falling:
Falling, tripping, or slipping are the major sources of injuries to people
working in the field. Always watch where you are about to step. On hillsides
or on rocky slopes, be careful about rolling objects down onto people lower on
the slope. Never wade in waters alone or when you cannot see the bottom.

Venomous
snakes: Three species of venomous snakes are native to New York:
copperhead,
massasauga, and
timber rattlesnake. Caution should
always be taken because their bites can be very dangerous. Wear sturdy hiking
boots and always watch where you step. Turn logs or rocks using a tool rather
than placing your hands under objects where a snake could be hiding. Never
handle a snake unless you are absolutely certain that it is not a venomous
species. If bitten by a snake of unknown identity, get medical help immediately
and try to be able to describe the snake to the authorities.

Other
reptile bites: Most snakes and turtles may bite when handled. Snapping
turtles and softshell turtles bite fiercely and can cause serious tissue damage.
The bites of non-venomous snakes can hurt and may result in infected wounds.
Before handling any snakes, learn how to identify them properly and how to hold
them so they won't be as likely to bite you.

Arthropods:
Insects, ticks, and spiders cause more health problems than venomous snakes.
Insect stings are painful and potentially dangerous to some individuals. People
searching for amphibians and reptiles often uncover wasp or hornet nests that
were hidden beneath boards. logs, or stones. The angered insects will sting.
Always watch carefully before and during the turning of any objects. Get
immediate medical attention if you are allergic to insect stings, have a severe
reaction, or receive multiple stings. The bites of spiders and aquatic insects
can also be a problem for some people. Watch where you put your hands!

Ticks
carry microorganisms that cause diseases (for example, Lyme disease).
Tick-borne diseases have become a major concern in New York, Connecticut, and
Pennsylvania. Consult with your local Dept. of Environmental Conservation or
county health department to find out whether ticks and/or Lyme disease are a
problem in your area. Officials at these agencies may also have suggestions for
avoiding tick bites. Insect repellents with the ingredient DEET may help.
After spending time in the field, everyone should carefully inspect their
clothes and bodies to remove ticks before they can cause disease.

How to find reptiles and amphibians

Streamside amphibians.
Many salamander species, and some frogs, snakes, and turtles frequent small
woodland streams. The salamanders are most often seen beneath stones along the
edges of such streams. Frogs are most often found in weedy areas. Remember
important microhabitats take time to form beneath the stones, so put all stones
back exactly as you found them.

Locating frogs and toads.
One of the best ways to locate populations of frogs and toads is to listen for
their calls. Most call in the evening or at night. Many species call in spring
(mid to late March through June), while a few species call in midsummer. Learn
to identify the species in your area by their calls using the audio tape
provided with your educational materials.
You can report frog calls to the Atlas, even without actually seeing the frogs,
if you are certain of your identifications. However, it is always preferred
that you actually see the frogs.

Select point sampling.
Most terrestrial amphibians and reptiles are found by people searching
likely-looking spots (e.g., beneath logs, stones, or other objects) in forests,
fields, and along bodies of water. Salamanders and frogs are more likely to be
found under objects that are shaded much of the day, but snakes are more often
found in sunny areas. Use care not to be bitten by snakes or stung by insects.
Please remember that the habitats beneath the objects take a long time to become
suitable for reptiles and amphibians. Be sure to replace logs and stones as you
found them, so that our populations can thrive.

Using nets. Dip nets
can be used along the weedy shorelines of ponds and lakes to capture frogs and
aquatic salamanders (such as red-spotted newts). Farm ponds that don't get to
much livestock use are good places for the newts and several frog species. Be
careful while dip netting during early spring when the nets could damage the
amphibian egg masses that are laid in the water.

Traps. Professional
studies of amphibians and reptiles often use a variety of traps that capture the
animals unharmed. However, we do not recommend that you use any traps without
first checking with Al Briesch,
Project Director of the New York Amphibian and Reptile Atlas or your local DEC
officials.